a yellow bag on a seat

A Cipriani Bellini is always a good idea…

How about a bottle of bubbly in economy to toast the big trip? That’s the message: give passengers what they want – and give them choices. Air travelers have become accustomed to mediocre food, minimal legroom and frill free flights in the year 2018, but there are other ways for alines to make money, and ways which simultaneously giving passengers choice and excitement. Etihad Airways has invested in unique new partnerships, which upgrade the in flight offerings of every cabin, without taking away. Here’s what to expect on your next Etihad flights in economy, business or first class.

a room with a bar and chairsEconomy

Etihad continues to offer full meal and beverage services on all flights, while also adding a  number of customizable treats, available as passenger extras. Etihad has added the option to purchase $8 glasses of Piper Heidsieck champagne for special in-flight celebrations, healthy snacks, popcorn and gourmet chocolate bars starting at $2.50 for movie time; and business/first class amenity kits featuring Omorovicza skincare products for $22 of pamper time. They’ve also introduced Arabic coffee on intra-Gulf flights. These options are in addition to journey extras like “neighbor free” seats, where you buy the seat next to you at a deep discount, and the ability to pay for airport VIP lounge access prior to your flight. Basically – economy is still economy, but if you wish, you can make it much more. Etihad will soon also launch digital menus, highlighting all buy on board extras with purchase opportunities. 

a row of seats in an airplaneBusiness

Etihad is bringing an Italian twist to it’s award winning business class experience. First, Acqua Di Parma amenity kits will feature in the cabin, bringing the signature Parma Yellow tones and high end skin care products to business class as the new amenity kit provider for all premium cabins. In addition, Cipriani is bringing the “Bellini” an indulgent all day favorite amongst brunch fanatics everywhere to Etihad’s Business, First and Apartment cabins. Etihad has partnered with Cipriani to offer their signature Bellini cocktail and mocktail on all Airbus A380 flights. This will make the expression “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” even more palatable, as smooth peach compliments rich champagne. We’ve checked, and a Bellini or Mimosa are officially appropriate at any time of day, especially when flying. Just don’t quote us.

a yellow bag on a seatFirst

Caviar and champagne are the ultimate expressions of first class luxury, and now Etihad has both. All Etihad A380 flights between Abu Dhabi and London, Paris, Sydney and New York will feature  Gourmet House Russian Oscietra Caviar from the Caspian Sea. The caviar will be served with all the traditional garnishes and paired with champagnes such as Laurent Perrier Rose or Charles Heidsieck Millesime 2006. Etihad is also stepping up first class with new loungewear products from “A Friend Of Mine”, a UAE based fashion house. The concept replaces traditional pajamas, which are perhaps, slightly embarrassing to wear in public, with comfortable loungewear one might consider wearing out, even after the flight. 

What do you make of these new Etihad offerings?

Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly...

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1 Comment

  1. It is more and more becoming a budget airlines than a world 5* airlines as they had always claimed to be!

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